'My very life is dependent on the gift of others'
These past few weeks I have been reflecting on some of the ten verses in the Dassadhamma Sutta that the Buddha says need to be reflected on time and time again. One verse in particular stood out to me because of the current lock-down conditions we are living in as a consequence of Covid-19:
‘My very life is dependent on the gift of others’.
At times like these I’m more aware how dependent I am on others and the kindness of others. I’m dependent on people I have never met. People whom I don’t even know. People who I have taken for granted my whole life. I’m not only talking about health and social care staff but shop assistants and lorry drivers who are all working long hours to help maintain an adequate supply of food in our shops. Of course I’m not the only one who is appreciating some of our front line workers. In the daily papers and in the news I have been moved by stories of gratitude and thanks coming out of the shadows.
These are extraordinary times we live in and despite isolation and social distancing I have had moments when I have felt connected with strangers. There’s a spirit of friendliness when I pass people in the meadows where I walk. When we clap once a week the front line workers from the doorsteps of our road I’m struck by a sense of community. I can feel my heart opening to my neighbours gratitude because in theses moments I catch a glimmer of our shared human qualities and the vulnerability of being alive. Gratitude is a gift. To be alive is a gift and it’s the gift of others that enables me to live so freely.
Bodhinaya
The Dasadhamma Sutta (Anguttara Nikaya 10.48)
Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at the monastery of Anathapindika.
Then the Blessed One addressed the monks, saying: "Monks." — "Venerable Sir," they said by way of reply. The Blessed One then spoke as follows:
"These ten essentials must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth (to live the holy life). What are these ten?
1. "'I am now changed into a different mode of life (from that of a layman).' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
2. "'My life depends on others.' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
3. "'I must now behave in a different manner.' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
4. "'Does my mind upbraid me regarding the state of my virtue?' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
5. "'Do my discerning fellow-monks having tested me, reproach me regarding the state of my virtue?' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
6. "'There will be a parting (some day) from all those who are dear and loving to me. Death brings this separation to me.' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
7. "'Of kamma I am constituted. Kamma is my inheritance; kamma is the matrix; kamma is my kinsman; kamma is my refuge. Whatever kamma I perform, be it good or bad, to that I shall be heir.' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
8. "'How do I spend my nights and days?' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
9. "'Do I take delight in solitude?' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
10. "'Have I gained superhuman faculties? Have I gained that higher wisdom so that when I am questioned (on this point) by fellow-monks at the last moment (when death is approaching) I will have no occasion to be depressed and downcast?' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
"These, monks, are the essentials that should be reflected again and again by one who has gone forth (to live the holy life)."
So spoke the Blessed One. Those monks rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One.
Translated Piyadassi Thera